Nikki is an Associate Solicitor who has represented clients at police stations across the East Midlands, Lincolnshire and surrounding areas since 2012 for a wide variety of offences, including; armed robbery, serious sexual offences, violence offences, drugs offences, theft, burglary and road traffic offences.
She holds the Law Society CLAS qualification and is a Duty Solicitor providing free and independent legal advice to those who do not have a particular solicitor in mind at both the police station and court.
Based in Newark where she has lived for most of her life, Nikki uses her knowledge of the local people and areas to ensure that some outstanding results for her clients which might not have otherwise been the case.
From her Newark base, Nikki will always travel wherever she needs to go in order to assist her clients, who are always grateful for her dedication.
Nikki’s attention to detail means that cases are prepared thoroughly and her clients always feel that they have had the best representation possible.
On a personal level, she is endlessly patient and understanding. She will always ensure that she takes the time to listen to a client’s personal circumstances without judgement. This allows her clients to feel more at ease when discussing the best way forward for their case. This is particularly important in domestic violence cases, where things may often not be as they seem.
Contact:
Newark Office:
Suite 11, Aura Business Centre
Manners Road
Newark, NG24 1BS
R v B. Sexual offence. Crown Court litigator in the case of a juvenile male with Asperger’s Syndrome. Nikki provided the client and his family with both emotional and legal support throughout this very difficult case. Thorough preparation meant that significant issues with the prosecution case were uncovered and after trial the client was found not guilty.
R v S. Sexual assault. Initially represented a client with severe health problems at the police station during interview. Later gave evidence at the Crown Court trial Nikki was required to give evidence as to what had happened in the police station. In the Judges’ summing up this was described as “compelling evidence”. The client was found not guilty.
R v D. Magistrates’ Court Advocacy. Nikki met with a client who had previously instructed another firm of solicitors and been convicted after trial. He was not happy with the service provided by that firm or how his case had been prepared. After just a short appointment in the office the client was able to say that she had showed more care and understanding than the other firm had throughout his entire case. Following successful application to transfer Legal Aid she conducted the sentencing hearing. Although the guidelines indicated that he should have received an immediate custodial sentence, Nikki’s mitigation persuaded the District Judge to sentence the client to suspend that sentence.
Siobhan Moore (nee McGuiness) has extensive experience as a Crown Court Litigator. She works tirelessly with clients to ensure thorough preparation of their cases.
She has experience in dealing with complex cases including cases arising out of the summer of public unrest in 2012. These cases involved detailed knowledge and analysis of telephone call date and cell site information. She has continued to assume responsibility for other complex and sensitive cases including those of clients charged with historic sexual abuse. Such cases involve Siobhan undertaking careful planning, as well as demonstrating a sensitive approach and attitude towards clients and building up a relationship of trust in order that full instructions may be taken in very difficult circumstances.
Siobhan has been praised by clients as being easy to talk to and considerate, as well as thorough in her approach.
Siobhan has built on her knowledge of criminal law by passing the PSQ accreditation which allows her to represent clients in the police station who have asked for VHS Fletchers or the Duty Solicitor to represent them.
R v H Violent Disorder. The client was one of 11 defendant’s in a case, a 16 year old, pleaded guilty and received maximum credit
R v S Historic Sexual Abuse. Successful application to dismiss in relation to six counts of indecent assault.
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Tim Haines
Derby Criminal Defence and Regulatory solicitor Tim Haines
Tim qualified as a solicitor in 1993, initially practising in all areas of litigation. In 1995 he began to concentrate solely on criminal defence work and soon found himself heading the Criminal Department of his then employer, a position he held for 6 years before joining VHS solicitors in 2001.
He was made a partner in 2006, and undertook an important role in the merger of two firms to form VHS Fletchers. Thereafter, he has been instrumental in developing the Derby and Mansfield areas of our successful practice.
Tim has a key role in practice development, as combined with his strong leadership qualities, he provides the best quality advice and assistance at the police station and is a much respected Magistrates’ and Youth Court advocate. His many years of experience have involved him representing clients being investigated or charged with all forms of matters from road traffic offences through to murder.
He is renowned for his straight talking pragmatic style, an approach highly valued by his clients. A personable and committed defence specialist, Tim is a Duty Solicitor.
Tim is a member of our Regulatory team and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with him. He is able to provide a complete service to the clients he represents. His skills allow him to give comprehensive advice to professionals who find themselves subject to investigations by statutory bodies. He is one of a very small band of solicitors who is competent to advise individuals who are subject to both regulatory and criminal investigation/prosecution.
He has many years experience of undertaking advocacy before the Magistrates Court and is an expert litigator in healthcare cases before the Crown Court. Recently he played an integral part in successfully defending a client in a multi-handed bribery and fraud trial which lasted 7 weeks before the Crown Court.
Tim has developed the appropriate skills and knowledge to represent individuals and companies called as interested parties in Coroner’s enquiries. He is able to advise the client throughout the process including preparing statements and undertaking the advocacy at the full Inquest.
Over the years Tim has advised individuals facing investigations and proceedings before the General Pharmaceutical Council; not only has he prepared full responses to investigations, but he has also undertaken the advocacy and represented clients facing matters before both the Investigating Committee and Fitness to Practise Committee of the GPhC. Tim uses his experience and skills as a well-established criminal defence advocate to thoroughly prepare responses to emergency applications for Interim orders.
Tim brings together the various attributes required in the field of regulatory law. He is approachable, caring and will stand his client’s corner whilst giving rounded and detailed advice.
R v C Murder. An elderly client with dementia killed his wife. The Crown Prosecution Service were ultimately persuaded that a finding of fact hearing rather than a trial was the most appropriate way for such a sensitive case to proceed. Ultimately the client received a hospital order.
R v R Excess Alcohol. The client was a schoolteacher who collided with a vehicle while on school grounds whilst significantly over the legal limit to drive. Following a guilty plea and the advancement of careful and sensitive mitigation the case resolved by way of a low tariff community order despite the presence of significant aggravating features.
R v H Criminal Behaviour Order. The client was an extremely vulnerable individual with longstanding mental health issues. The case involved a high level of care and compassion and resolved by way of a conditional discharge and a Criminal Behaviour Order in terms very much reduced from those originally being sought by the police.
R v W Abuse of Process. The client was accused of physically assaulting a 3 year old child as part of a long running neighbour dispute. Following lengthy submissions to the Crown and a successful abuse of process argument the Magistrates dismissed the charge.
R v M Joint Enterprise. The client was a youth jointly charged with a street robbery. Following a full evidential trial before a District Judge which included extensive legal argument on the issue of joint enterprise the client was acquitted whereas the co-accused separately represented was convicted.
R v J. Bad character evidence. Not guilty verdict for Mansfield client despite poor record for similar offending. Read more here.
R v S. Domestic violence. Not guilty verdict for Mansfield client alleged to have assaulted his partner. Read more here.
R v B. Drink driving. Prison sentence avoided for Mansfield driver four times over the limit. Read more here.
R v P. Drug driving. Not guilty verdict for Mansfield client said to be driving whilst under the influence of drugs. Read more here.
R v P. Drink Driving. Client sentenced to a community order following mitigation demonstrating a wish to change. Read more here.
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Sarah Lees-Collier
Crown Court Litigator Sarah-Lees Collier
Sarah has 20 years’ experience as a Crown Court caseworker. During that time she has qualified as a legal executive and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives. She also holds the PSQ accreditation which allows her to represent clients who have asked for the duty solicitor and those facing the most serious allegations.
She has substantial experience of dealing with cases involving cell site and ANPR evidence and the instruction of defence experts. Sarah has previously undertaken preparation on a significant number of benefit fraud cases involving prosecutions by the Department of Work and Pensions.
Additionally, the cases that she has dealt with have qualified as Very High Cost Cases, involving the need for Sarah to prepare the case plans that are a requirement of this type of work. Even when not VHCC, she specialises in complex cases proceeding to trial with large numbers of defendants. She has the ability to assess complex evidence at an early stage without the need to rely on the advocate providing direction, and as a result early preparation including the instruction of defence experts can take place to best advance her clients’ cases.
Clients will always warm to Sarah as she is extremely sympathetic and empathetic in sensitive cases. She has a particular expertise dealing with defendants with mental health, drug and drink issues and instructing experts in that regard that will assist the court but also the client.
R v P and others. Murder. The client was one of 9 accused charged with a joint enterprise murder that proceeded to trial.
R v H and others. Murder. The client was one of a family said to be implicated in the murder of a family member followed by disposal of the body. She was represented throughout several days of complex interviews.
R v D and others. Public Disorder. The client was said to be one of the lead figures in the Nottingham Riots, charged with conspiracy to commit violent disorder and involved in the making of petrol bombs used to attack a local police station.
R v Thompson. Rape. The case involved a defence of automatism to a rape allegation, with the client maintaining that the offence was committed whilst he was sleepwalking. The case preparation involved the instruction of a sleep expert who undertook a sleep analysis and confirmed a sleep disorder.
R v Ali and others. Public Disorder. The client was involved in a large multi-defendant incident of disorder.
R v H. Conveying prohibited articles into prison. Unusual outcome of a suspended sentence for Nottingham client in this particular case. Read more here.
R v RB. Conspiracy to supply firearms. Sarah was Crown Court Litigator on a case for a client charged with conspiracy to supply firearms. Extensive preparation included instructing an expert in drill music. At trial, significant evidence was called in our client’s defence, including character witnesses. The jury unanimously acquitted our client of all charges.
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Rob Lowe
Chesterfield police station accredited representative Rob Lowe
Rob has been representing clients at the police station for the last 13 years. Born and bred in Chesterfield, he works from our Marsden Street office, having spent half his life working at that site.
He has experience of dealing with the full range of offences from minor thefts to complex frauds and murder, with all other offences in between. In terms of clients, he has represented serving police officers, company directors, animal rights action groups and serving forces personnel. Rob will go into any case, whether at 3am or 3pm, wanting to do the very best for the client.
Rob will provide representation nationwide and has done so, travelling to London, Wrexham, Skegness, Blackpool, Windermere and Lancaster police stations.
Clients get on well with Rob as he has an easy going nature, which also allows him to have an excellent working relationship with the investigating officers from which the client benefits. He is no afraid to do battle with the police when circumstances require.
Rob tries to be different from other police station representatives, and exudes a calm which puts a suspect at ease. He gives very clear advice that is always appropriate to particular circumstances, and can provide advice in a way that any client can understand.
An example of how Rob will approach a case can be found here and he is mentioned in client feedback here. Examples of Rob’s working week providing police station advice can be found here and here.
Contact:
Chesterfield Office:
5 Beetwell Street
Chesterfield,
S40 1SH
W. Theft. Leader of animal rights organisation accused of misappropriating funds belonging to the organisation. Case required detailed analysis of the evidence at the investigation stage coupled with very lengthy interviews. The client was eventually refused charge.
P. Indecent Images. School teacher found with a large number of indecent images of children on his computer. A great deal of care and attention was needed, as the client was very vulnerable once the reality of his situation hit home.
A. Murder. Client accused of being involved in a joint enterprise killing of a member of the travelling community.
M. Attempted murder. Serving prisoner accused of attempting to murder a prison officer by wrapping a ligature around his neck.
J. Road Traffic Fatality. Young man involved in a road traffic collision for which he was at fault resulting in the death of his brother. The case involved a great deal of client care and attention, particularly in liaising with distraught family members.
D. Impersonating a Police Officer. High profile client accused of impersonating a police officer by wearing clothing that wrongly led members of the public to believe he was a police officer. Other lawyers and the police felt that the client should accept a caution but the client had a defence. In the event the client was refused charge.
R v B. Section 20 Grievous Bodily Harm. Police station advice provided the starting point for a successful argument for a suspended sentence for this Chesterfield client. Read more here.
R v J. Police Interview. Police station advice given to this Chesterfield client even when the police investigation moved to Skegness police station. Read more here.
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Laura Clarson
Laura first worked for VHS in 2006 during a placement year on her degree course. She began working full time as a Crown Court litigator in 2008 following graduation and then obtained her PSQ permitting her to represent any client facing any offence at the police station.
Laura has gained substantial experience over this period in all types of case. She builds a good rapport with clients and their families, particularly with younger clients. Anyone who meets her in relation to a case will know that she truly cares about the outcome and securing the best result for the client.
Laura passed her Legal Practice Course in the autumn of 2018 and completed her training in the summer of 2020. She qualified as a solicitor in August 2020 and as a Duty Solicitor later that year.
Her patience means that she is ideally suited to deal with those clients who may need extra care and attention, and all clients will be won over by her positive and optimistic approach to every case.
R v F Public Disorder. Large scale public disorder between traveller families resulted in an 8 day trial. The client was acquitted despite forensic evidence on his footwear connecting him with the incident.
R v S Cannabis Production. Client accepted responsibility for a cannabis grow of over 150 plants with some cropped for onward distribution. A suspended sentence was imposed.
R v T and another. Both clients faced a serious allegation of aggravated burglary involving the taking of weapons into an occupied house and violence being inflicted on the occupants. Detailed preparation of the case allowed representations to be made to the Crown and no evidence was offered and the cases dismissed.
R v D Trafficking. A 15 year old was prosecuted for his role as a gardener for cannabis production. Careful enquiry demonstrated that the client was likely to have been illegally trafficked into this country for criminal purposes and as a result the prosecution accepted that it wasn’t in the public interest to pursue the case.
R v S Youth Defendant. A 15 year old defendant was before the Crown Court for allegations of kidnap, false imprisonment and assault of another youth. Case eventually compromised with a plea to false imprisonment and the case was sent back to the Youth Court for a non-custodial sentence.
R v N Rape. Detailed analysis of mobile phone material persuaded the prosecution that there was no realistic prospect of conviction and the case was dropped.
R v J. Conspiracy to Defraud. Nottingham client avoids immediate prison sentence for offending at Nottingham Crown Court. Read more here.
R v P. Historic sex allegations. Not guilty verdict for client at Derby Crown Court. Read more here.
R v M. Firearms Offences. Specialist counsel and expert witness instructed to secure not guilty verdicts before Wolverhampton Crown Court. Read more here.
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David Gittins
Chesterfield partner and crime solicitor David Gittins
Partner and criminal defence solicitor David Gittins is a perfect example of this firm’s wish to recruit with a view to training the Solicitors and Partners of the future. After an initial period as a paralegal, David undertook his training as a solicitor with Fletchers solicitors before qualifying as a solicitor in 2008 following the creation of VHS Fletchers Solicitors.
David has always specialised in criminal law, becoming a duty solicitor shortly after qualification and in more recent years has had responsibility for training a number of trainee solicitors within the firm, all of whom are flourishing in their roles as Criminal Defence Solicitors.
David has partnership responsibility for managing our Chesterfield office and wider involvement in the managing of the firm, notably across Derbyshire. His organisational skills mean that he can divide his time effectively between his management role and providing representation for his clients at the Police Station, Magistrates’ and Crown Courts.
Our clients will know that David is diligent, efficient, and hard-working. Often, he will spend time outside office hours to get work completed to ensure clients cases are fully prepared for the next hearing. David has embraced the introduction of digital and remote working. As a result, he can respond to clients quickly wherever he is in order to answer questions, deal with concerns and put clients at ease.
Once a client has met David, they will value the fact that he is straight talking and approachable, whether they meet him in a formal setting such as in the Police Station, in Court, or in Chesterfield town centre simply passing the time of day.
David will explain any case without the need to use complex legal terms. This ensures that clients fully understand all aspects of their case and feel comfortable in the often unusual environment in which they find themselves.
David’s strengths as a lawyer include examining each case on its own merits. He will make sure that there is evidence to prove each aspect of a case rather than taking the police or prosecution word for it. He will identify and focus on the true issues in any case, rather than becoming distracted by issues that cannot influence the outcome. His advocacy also invites any tribunal to identify with his client, meaning that each case is about his clients’ unique set of circumstances, whether that is a defence, the often complex reasons for committing a crime, or their family or other relevant situation. Each case becomes more than a simple application of any relevant guideline.
R v C Public Order Offence. Magistrates’ Court prosecution arising from the national unrest during the summer of 2012. Despite allegations by police witnesses that the client was involved, he was acquitted.
R v D Manslaughter. Dealt with the preliminary stages of the case at the police station and the Magistrates’ Court. Bail was granted despite opposition from the prosecution, notwithstanding the fact the client had left the country between the incident and arrest.
R v K International Drug Conspiracy. Dealt with the investigation stage of a multi-handed drug conspiracy involving the importation of drugs into the UK through Columbia, Costa Rica, Belgium and Holland. The clients were interviewed in various police stations and prison locations during the complex investigation.
R v N Assault. The client was a long term prisoner who on the day he was due to move prisons was accused of assaulting an officer in his cell. The majority of the incident was witnessed by another prison officer, and both officers gave evidence at trial. The client was acquitted.
R v S Road Traffic Sentence. The client had 208 offences on his record including 58 instances of disqualified driving. For this most recent offence of disqualified driving he received a community order.
R v S Robbery Flawed Facebook identification exposed in this Youth Court trial leading to not guilty verdict. Read more here.
R v J Grievous Bodily Harm. Suspended sentence order in the Magistrates’ Court for GBH allegation. Read more here.
R v P Suspended Sentence Order Court persuaded to allow a further chance despite offending during the currency of a suspended sentence order. Read more here.
R v D No Case to Answer Careful preparation of trial and limited questioning allows successful submission of no case to answer. Read more here.
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Derek Brown
Nottingham crime solicitor Derek Brown
Derek is a true criminal law specialist. He is a Duty Solicitor, and has substantial experience in all areas of criminal law. He advises clients from all walks of life, providing representation in the police station, Youth and Magistrates’ Courts.
Those that work with him know that that although he is extremely hard working he manages to combine this with a relaxed approach that, along with his ability to provide practical advice and sensible solutions, puts his clients at ease. Derek believes that these are all important qualities, recognising that police investigations and court proceedings can be very difficult experiences for those involved.
His strong work ethic and easy manner proves popular with clients, and as a result he has a tremendous client following, with clients not hesitating to seek his services again or refer friends or family to him if they are in legal difficulties.
Derek has provided advice in very serious cases that have made both local and national headlines. These include large scale drug conspiracies, murder, armed robberies and other serious firearms offences such as drive-by shootings. He is a firm believer that advice provided at the police station is of great importance to a case as a whole, and will help direct police investigations and the progress of any court case. As a result, Derek is committed to providing advice to clients 24/7.
R v J Terrorism. The client was a foreign national arrested on suspicion of terrorism. Successful representations were made that the consultation booth did not comply with the Codes of Practice in terms of confidentiality. The client was eventually refused charge.
R v B Bad Character Evidence. The client was a man with a substantial criminal record in excess of 100 offences of dishonesty. Despite the evidence being admitted, the client was acquitted of a further offence of dishonesty.
R v C Drug Supply. Advice given at the police station and subsequent successful bail application made for a client said to be involved in drug supply with a value of £100 000. Argument accepted that the true value of the amphetamine was only £1300.
R v D Public Disorder. Represented a client said to have taken part in citywide disorder during the summer of 2012. Despite evidence placing the client at the scene successful representations were made that he could not be implicated in the disorder and no further action was taken.
R v G Road Traffic Offence. Successful argument against a totting disqualification allowed the hard-working client to keep both of his jobs.
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Helen Lees
Crime and Regulatory solicitor Helen Lees
Helen qualified as a Solicitor in 1995, joining VHS Fletchers in 2004 having already specialised for 11 years in criminal defence work at another local practice. She became a Duty Solicitor in 1996 in Nottingham and began to specialise in working with young people who fund themselves both in the police station and in the Youth Court.
She has experience of defending those charged with offences ranging from shop theft to murder, and is aims to provide exceptional client care whatever the charge may be. She is an able advocate and she enjoys the challenge of conducting trials.
In 2014, she branched out from her daily appearances in the Magistrates and Youth Court and joined the regulatory team at VHS Fletchers. She prosecutes for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on a national basis, in complex and serious cases. She is part of a well-regarded team who undertake this work for the HSE, and now appears at inquest hearings representing the HSE, as well as prosecutions in Magistrates and Crown Court. Her extensive experience in defending in the first part of her career, has proved invaluable in providing advice on procedure and evidence in regulatory prosecutions.
In the time that she has been in the regulatory department, Helen has undertaken a wide range of prosecutions including the prosecution of a company who failed to protect its employees during asbestos removal, to prosecutions of companies following serious and fatal accidents sustained at work, and prosecution of gas fitters who are not registered, and undertake defective work.
R v C Historic Sexual Abuse. The client was a head teacher charged with historical abuse allegations. Advice and representation provided from the police station through to trial where the client was acquitted
R v DZ Attempted Murder. A vulnerable Chinese national who had been trafficked to the United Kingdom and who spoke no English was charged with an attack on a madam running a brothel. The Crown were persuaded to accept a lesser charge of s20 Wounding.
R v SS Conspiracy to commit armed robbery. The Client was interviewed unrepresented in the police station but diligent post charge investigations led to the interviews being ruled inadmissible due to the police’s actions.
R v K Murder. This client was extremely vulnerable due to his physical and learning difficulties combines with a lack of English. The case involved spending 4 days with him at the police station during the interviews, providing advice and support to him from that point through to sentencing.
R v A CCTV. A youth with no previous convictions was charged with robbery. Thorough preparation and analysis of the CCTV footage that had been available to the police from the outset showed that her client could not have committed the offence.
R v C Assault. The client was a care home worker of good character charged with assaulting a resident during an outing. He was found not guilty after trial.
R v N and S Regulatory defence. A company and an individual director were prosecuted for serious breaches of fire regulations with regard to a student lettings development. A custodial sentence for the Director was avoided.
